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I’ve enjoyed so many fantastic holidays over the years, but some of my best have been in Thailand. I love the food, the people, their culture and pretty much everything about the country. Whenever I get a break from work, it’s one of the places I head for. As my television shows are not shown over there, I can get about with no one recognising me, which is great.

The attractions of Thailand for me are the shops and the colourful street markets. There are loads of bargains and it’s a dream destination for shopaholics like myself. I also love the massages that you get over there.

And the best hotel you’ve stayed in?

I absolutely love the Mena House Oberoi hotel in Cairo, which overlooks the Great Pyramids of Giza. The pyramids look spectacular any time of day, but they are particularly stunning during sunrise and sunset and at night when they’re lit up. The hotel is absolutely amazing and richly furnished with magnificent antiques and original works of art. Another favourite is the W hotel in Hong Kong. It has the most incredible views of Hong Kong harbour, some fabulous restaurants and one of the world’s highest rooftop pools.

What do you need for a perfect holiday?

I need to be active and always on the move. I am also artistic and love to sketch, draw or write and prefer city breaks to a beach holiday. I love to be close to shops as shopping is one of my biggest passions. I also like to explore the area where I am staying so that I get a better understanding of the region and the culture. I avoid the tourist traps and prefer to go off the beaten track, although I always check if it’s a safe area before venturing too far.

What do you always take with you?

My mobile phone, laptop and iPad, as well as any scripts, production notes and anything that allows me to continue working when I’m away. I hate the thought of everything coming to a standstill because I’m on holiday. I like to pack a camera as well, as photography is one of my passions.

What’s your best piece of travel advice?

Wear comfortable clothes when travelling, especially if you’ve got a long flight or train journey. It makes the journey less stressful and you arrive more relaxed. I also like to take some items that remind me of home to put in my hotel room, such as family photos, or a candle with a nice fragrance.

I travel frequently for work and can often be away for a month. A few reminders of home stop me from getting homesick.

Where do you want to go next?

I have never been to South America and would love to go. I would also like to visit Boston, Chicago and Mississippi, when I get some time.

… and disasters?

Which was your worst holiday?

When I was about 11, my father bought a second-hand caravan. It was absolutely hideous. It had orange and brown décor and a horrible musty odour. We took it on holiday to Quorn in Leicestershire and stayed on a caravan site. It was a holiday from hell, as the only facilities on the site included a games room and a filthy toilet. To make matters worse, it rained non-stop from the moment we arrived and we decided to return home after staying there for only one night.

And your worst experience on holiday?

About five years ago, I went on holiday with a friend and we stayed at a forest resort in Chiang Mai where guests are accommodated in tree houses. During the evening, my friend and I went to a local bar and got very drunk, before heading back to our tree house. We were woken that night by the sound of breaking glass and thought we were being burgled. We were horrified to see huge flames outside and noticed that the cabin next to ours was on fire.

The fire was bringing down the trees and there were loud explosions, lots of smoke and the smell of burning timber. As I opened the front door of our tree house, I realised that the fire had spread to our cabin and my friend and I had to jump to the ground to escape. It was an extremely frightening situation. Apparently it was an arson attack. We decided to leave the next day, returned to Bangkok and stayed there for the rest of the holiday.

What’s the biggest packing mistake you’ve made?

Packing summer clothes when the country that I’m going to is freezing cold. I’ve lost count of the number of times when people have told me (in good faith) that the place I’m travelling to is going to be hot.

Which is the worst hotel you’ve stayed in?

The forest resort in Chiang Mai. The fire nearly killed my friend and I, and we were left traumatised for ages. I still have vivid recollections of it.

What do you avoid on holiday?

Tourist areas. I hate the noise, cheap shops and the pushy street vendors, with their tacky souvenirs. I also steer clear of beach areas. I usually take a couple of photos of the sea, then I’m away.

What do you hate about holidays?

Not being at work. I love my job and, much as it drives me nuts on some occasions, I prefer to be working than on holiday. A lot of people I speak to come back from holiday depressed as they have reflected about things in their life that they don’t normally have time to think about when they’re working. The ideal balance for me is to go on holiday and carry on working. I'm a lot happier for it.

"Gok Cooks Chinese" by Gok Wan is published by Penguin/Michael Joseph, priced £20.